Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme

Scheme Introduction: A Brief Overview

• The Government of Assam introduced the Shraddhanjali Scheme in the state on 06 October 2025, following its approval by the Assam Cabinet on 22 June 2025.
• The scheme is overseen by the Political Department of the Assam Government, which functions as the nodal department.
• For on-ground execution, the scheme is implemented with the active support of the Assam Police.
• The government noted that several families in Assam face serious difficulties in bringing back the mortal remains of their loved ones who pass away outside the state.
• High transportation costs, along with legal and procedural formalities, often make the process unaffordable and stressful for such families.
• To address this issue, the Assam Government launched the Shraddhanjali Scheme with the objective of ensuring lawful, respectful, and hassle-free transportation of mortal remains of Assam-domiciled individuals from other states to Assam.
• Under this scheme, if an Assam resident, especially a student studying outside the state or a person engaged in a low-paying job in another part of India, dies due to a road accident, murder, or any other exceptional circumstance, the government facilitates the transportation of the body back to Assam for a dignified last rite.
• The service is provided completely free of cost by the Assam Government in coordination with the State Police.
• For effective implementation, the Special Branch of Assam Police has been designated as the nodal agency for the scheme.
• A Deputy Inspector General (DIG)-rank officer of the Special Branch acts as the State Nodal Officer, while the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of each district serves as the District Nodal Officer for cases related to their respective districts.
• However, the benefit of free transportation under this scheme is not available to financially well-off families or to those who are capable of making their own arrangements.
• Additionally, individuals who travel to other states for medical treatment and pass away during treatment are not eligible for assistance under the Shraddhanjali Scheme.
• In case of death of an Assam resident outside the state, any person, whether a family member, friend, relative, police personnel, or any other individual can report the incident to the authorities.
• Information can be shared through the following channels :-
  • By calling :- 9181014888, 0361-2381511, or 112.
  • By sending a WhatsApp message to 9181014888.
  • By visiting the Police Headquarters or the nearest Police Station.
  • Through the Sewa Setu Portal.
• Once the information is received, the State Nodal Officer, in coordination with the concerned District Nodal Officer, examines the case and communicates with officials of the concerned state.
• Necessary arrangements for repatriation of the body are then made, with the State Nodal Officer handling inter-state coordination and complex logistical issues to ensure that the deceased is brought back to Assam with dignity and respect.

Scheme Benefits

• The scheme ensures respectful and hassle-free transport of deceased persons from outside Assam.
• It applies to all bonafide residents of Assam.
• Cause of death or social background does not affect eligibility.
• Persons with a criminal background are not eligible.
• The scheme benefit is applicable across all Indian states.

Eligibility Requirement

• Only individuals who are permanent residents of Assam are considered under this scheme.
• The scheme is primarily intended to support students and individuals engaged in low-income or modestly paid occupations.
• However, persons from financially stable backgrounds as well as patients who had travelled outside Assam for medical treatment are not covered and cannot claim benefits under this scheme.

Required Documents

• Proof establishing the identity of the deceased.
• Documents confirming the permanent residential address.
• A valid contact mobile number for coordination.
• The most recent photograph of the deceased person.
• Any additional papers or records that may be sought by the competent authority.

Steps to Apply

• The Government of Assam has put in place an easy and citizen-friendly mechanism under the Shraddhanjali Scheme to ensure the respectful return of mortal remains of Assamese individuals who pass away outside the state.
• To initiate the process, any person connected to the deceased, including a family member, relative, friend, public representative, government employee, or even an acquaintance can report the death to the police authorities.
• The information can be shared by calling the 112 emergency helpline, contacting 0361-2381511, or by making a call or WhatsApp message on 9181014888.
• Apart from helpline numbers, the informant may also approach the District Police Headquarters or the local police station to report the death of an Assam resident in another state.
• While informing the police, certain essential details must be provided, including :-
  • The location, date, time, and circumstances in which the death occurred.
  • The permanent residential address of the deceased.
  • The district in Assam to which the deceased belonged.
  • Details of the nearest police station of the deceased's residence.
  • Contact information of family members or next of kin.
• Once the information is received, the case is taken up by the State Nodal Officer of the Shraddhanjali Scheme, who is a DIG-rank officer from the Special Branch of Assam Police.
• The State Nodal Officer then coordinates with the designated nodal officers of other states to ensure smooth inter-state communication and cooperation.
• Through continuous monitoring and coordination, the nodal officer oversees the respectful handling, documentation, and transportation of the deceased's body back to Assam.
• At the district level, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) will act as the District Nodal Officer for all Shraddhanjali Scheme cases related to their jurisdiction.
• To further simplify the process, the Assam Government is also planning to introduce an online service on the Sewa Setu Portal, which will allow residents of Assam to digitally submit information regarding the death of a person in another state.

Relevant Links

• Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme Guidelines.
• Sewa Setu Portal Assam.

Contact Information

• Assam Shraddhanjali Scheme Contact Numbers :-
  • 9181014888. (WhatsApp and Call)
  • 0361 2381511.
  • 112 for Police.